Being both a matcha and shio pan lover, I was thrilled to discover that the Hvala Bugis outlet offers an exclusive shio pan menu. You can only find Butter Town's famed shio pan here, making it a unique spot for fans of Japanese-inspired bakes and tea.

The space itself exudes tranquillity, with minimalist wooden decor and Japanese elements like tatami seating. From cosy floor tables to larger group tables and counter seating by floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the perfect setting for enjoying tea and people-watching.

Naturally, I had to try the Deviled Egg Mayo Shio Pan (S$6.90), which did not disappoint. The shio pan was crispy on the outside, airy inside, and loaded with creamy, savoury egg mayo. A buttery bite of heaven for egg mayo lovers! It is on the small side though, and it's like almost S$7...

My friend went for the Soup of the Day (S$9.90), served with Butter Town’s original shio pan. The soup was simple but hearty and worth it for the price—a pretty good choice if you’re looking for something comforting.

In addition to shio pan, the menu includes starters, cold soba, quiches, and pies. I couldn’t resist ordering the Cold Cha Soba (S$10.90). It arrived with a dipping sauce and was garnished with spring onions, nori, and a hint of wasabi, providing that delightful umami flavour.

Then there was the Matcha Goma Latte (S$7.90). This drink is everything for matcha fans. A smooth shot of freshly whisked matcha is layered with fresh milk and goma syrup, made in-house. Thick and creamy with a nice balance between the earthy matcha and nutty sesame, it’s not overly grassy. A sip might even make your throat feel a bit dry, but that’s exactly how I like it – full-bodied and intense!

With its peaceful ambience and ample seating, Hvala Bugis is definitely a spot I’ll return to. It’s ideal for getting work done on weekdays or catching up with friends over tea and shio pan. If you're in Bugis, this spot is a must-visit for matcha lovers and shio pan fans alike.

Address: 585 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Raffles Specialist Centre, Singapore 188770
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 8pm
Website

If there’s one place that redefines how we experience coffee, it’s defo Big Short Coffee. Describing it as a coffee “bar” feels more accurate than calling it a cafe. Here, coffee is approached with the same creativity and flair you’d expect from a cocktail bar. The drinks are prepared right in front of you, much like watching a bartender in action.

Big Short Coffee has an intimate, cosy atmosphere with limited seating. There are just a few bar counter stools and a handful of wooden seats by the glass windows—both inside and outside. During peak hours, especially during weekends, you’ll find a steady flow of customers.

What sets Big Short Coffee apart is their innovative approach to coffee. They blend techniques from molecular gastronomy, mixology, and even science labs to craft one-of-a-kind specialty drinks. The menu rotates with the seasons, ensuring that each visit offers something new. And, as a special touch, every drink comes with its own tasting notes, presented in the form of a cute card.

We visited during their Autumn menu and were eager to try a couple of their standout creations. When I say we had a couple, I mean we had like, four drinks.

My first drink was the Happy Valley Punch (S$8.50), which started with a base of coconut water and blood orange juice, as well as clarified milk. Clarifying milk transforms it into a clear solution, removing the grittiness often found in regular milk. The result is a silky-smooth mouthfeel. The natural sweetness of the coconut water really complements the tartness of the blood orange and bergamot!

There's also the Mont Blanc (S$8). This is a cold brew coffee topped with a generous layer of vanilla cream and dusted with nutmeg. The addition of orange and Okinawan black sugar gave the drink a rich, warming flavour that balanced perfectly with the cold brew’s subtle bitterness.

The Little Black Sheep (S$8) is more of an acquired taste. Made from Ethiopian Amederaro Konga G1 beans, this cold brew boasts bright, fruity, and floral notes. The cold brewing process at a 10:1 ratio enhances its natural sweetness and smoothness, resulting in a slightly syrupy texture. To elevate the drink further, fresh honeydew melon juice is added, creating a beautifully layered drink that highlights the natural flavours of the coffee.

My personal fave is the Warabi Mochi (S$8.50), which is rich, aromatic, and packed with chocolatey notes. With a caffeinated punch, this drink felt like a delightful cross between coffee and bubble tea, thanks to the chewy Warabi Mochi at the bottom. My favourite part of this drink was the thick layer of cream on top. Overall, this drink was super gao.

If you prefer something more classic, you can always opt for an Espresso (S$4.50), Black (S$5), or Latte (S$6), all made using their own Big Short Blend beans.

Big Short Coffee is one of the most, if not the most, unique coffee places I've seen in Joo Chiat so far. The way they combine bar-like preparation with innovative coffee creations makes it a truly unique experience. There’s always something novel on the menu, and the experimental approach keeps things exciting. I’ll definitely be back to see what they come up with next!

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It’s easy to miss if not for the distinctive wooden shutters and a large green banner guiding you in. The setup is simple, and the warm, personal touch makes it feel like you're stepping into a hidden gem.

Despite its modest size, Kopi Khoo offers a small but solid selection of espresso-based drinks, ranging from iced Americano (S$3.50) to hot Cappuccinos (S$3.50), with Iced Caramel Lattes (S$4.50) adding a sweet twist to the menu.

I tried the Iced Latte (S$4), which had a smooth, refreshing flavour with a slightly acidic coffee blend that the milk balanced out perfectly. It’s especially refreshing in Singapore’s sweltering heat. For those with little ones, the Babycino (S$3) is a great option too, catering to students from the nearby school.

If you're visiting on the weekend, it’s best to head down around 2pm to avoid the later afternoon crowd. Kopi Khoo offers a truly affordable and friendly coffee experience with unique, homey vibes. It’s one of those places where you know you’ll return, not just for the coffee, but for the welcoming auntie and the overall charm of the place!

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